Pakistan — Airports

Benazir Bhutto International Airport

The largest and busiest airport in Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad has undergone several expansions, leaving it more modernized and ready for increased traffic. Many international airlines make regular trips to the flagship airport including Afghan Airlines, Kam Air and China Southern Airlines. It is possible to make a direct trip from the US to Islamabad. Emirates Airlines flies from New York JFK, Washington Dulles, San Francisco International and Dallas Fort Worth. Turkish Airlines flies from Chicago O’Hare Los Angeles International and Houston George Bush International.

Islamabad International is located only six miles south of downtown and there are taxi services available to help travelers make the journey. Most taxis operators have help desks at the central courtyard from which a trip can be organized.

The newly renovated terminal has many services on offer to the travelers who pass through its doors including a host of restaurants, cafés and snack bars, duty-free and gift shops, bureau de change offices, ATMs and banks as well as private prayer rooms for travelers of the Islamic faith.

Jinnah International Airport

Jinnah International Airport in Karachi is the second-busiest airport in Pakistan and is served by many international carriers throughout the year including Air Arabia, Malaysia Airways, Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways. There are direct flights between the US and Islamabad. Qatar Airways flies from New York-JFK, Washington-Dulles and Houston George Bush International. Cathay Pacific has flights out of Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International.

The Pakistan airport is located nine miles to the east of central Karachi but there are several public transport services available to get travelers into the city. There are regular bus services which operate from the airport, reaching the center in about 50 minutes. There are also several private taxi companies which tend to wait outside the terminal building. These are generally quicker than the bus but are more expensive.

The terminal building has many services available for passengers including a bureau de change, ATMs and banks, internet access, cafés and restaurants and designated prayer areas.

Allama Iqbal International Airport

Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore is one of Pakistan’s many high class airports which has undergone renovations to the international arrivals and departures terminal. International airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Etihad and Thai Airways all have services to this airport. Travelers from the US can also choose to land in Lahore, which receives several direct flights from that region. Emirates Airlines has flights from New York-JFK, Washington-Dulles, San Francisco International and Seattle. Thai Airways flies from Los Angeles International.

The city is only five miles from the airport and there are two main public transportation options available to passengers. Coaches and buses depart at regular intervals for the city, while taxi companies are also on call to make the 20-minute journey.